World Cup building a bridge of communication between cultures

Vlogging and picture-taking with supporters of different participating teams at a tournament like the FIFA World Cup have become a universal language for many football fans.The opening of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on November 20 saw many residents and visitors enthusiastically joining supporters of opposing teams in revelries and other activities taking place at various locations in Doha.Just outside the Sports City metro station yesterday before the Japan v Germany match, supporters of both teams – clad in unique traditional and attractive costumes – enjoyed taking pictures together."Everyone understands what it means when a stranger hands you his or her phone, joins your group for a picture... no need for words, and it feels great to see such as a lovely atmosphere,” said Lydia, a Filipino expatriate, who along with his family, supports the Japanese football team.Indian expatriate Arun echoed a similar view saying that such gesture only proves that sport, football in particular, builds a strong connection between people who speak different languages.While he supports the German football team, he only has nice words for the Japanese people, saying: "I love the people from Japan, they are very neat, respectful, and friendly.”His compatriot, Jerin Johny, also a German team supporter, share the same view as well, citing the Japanese people positive traits such as punctuality, cleanliness and courteousness – traits that other nationalities can learn from.This was highlighted in a viral video showing Japanese fans cleaning the Al Bayt Stadium after the tournament’s opening and first match between Qatar and Ecuador."Japan, one of the best cleanest countries I ever seen and they are very down to earth, very polite,” Johny added.Miyu from Japan who spent time for picture-taking with both Japanese and German supporters lauded the organising of the World Cup in Qatar, citing an efficient transportation system.She said: "people are very kind, the metro is very good, Arabic food is tasty, and the tournament is well organised.”Another Japanese national, Taka, along with a group of friends, also took time for videos and picture-taking with supporters – families and bachelors – who were roaming around the venue.Asked about Qatar’s infrastructures, he said he was overwhelmed and described the stadiums as "incredible, fashionable and amazing”.He plans to visit some museums and tourist spots in Qatar.Some German supporters, with German flags painted on their faces, were also seen cheering for Japan, chanting some familiar Japanese words such as konichiwa and arigatou gozaimasu.